Australia’s international TV channel is collaborating with Astro to provide us a window into the continent’s soul while retaining a regional perspective on issues and including local talent in its programmes.

HIZREEN KAMAL writes.

ASTRO’S gone Down Under.

The Australians are coming to Malaysia in a big way when the continent’s international television channel, Australia Network, begins airing over Astro’s platform around the clock.

Scheduled to begin later this year, this mixed genre channel, which will see more choice entertainment, information and sports content, has been airing for 12 hours daily over Astro News (Astro Channel 514) via the news package since April.

Its programmes include the latest regional news, extensive sports coverage, award-winning children’s programmes, world-class international documentaries, lifestyle programmes and top-quality dramas.
One such drama is the award-winning and longest-running series Home & Away, which has drawn wide viewership around the world.

There is also the documentary Great Outdoors featuring places for perfect getaways, the pre-school series Bananas in Pyjamas and Playschool, the country’s most successful TV programme for pre-school children featuring stories, songs and a variety of play ideas.

The network also prides itself in its news and current affairs programmes, with its flagship show News Hour with Jim Middleton explaining the news behind the headlines.

The programme consists of interviews, analysis, debates and panel discussions on issues pertaining to Australia and the Asia Pacific, proffering “a different view” from other news networks.

The round-the-clock broadcast is made possible following an agreement between the network’s chief executive officer, Bruce Dover and Astro’s chief executive officer Rohana Rozhan, in Kuala Lumpur recently.

“A 24-hour service means we need to have more programmes. Currently we are looking at having more educational programmes for children, as well as lifestyle travel shows to appeal to Malaysians in general,” said Dover.

“We also hope to share our expertise by working together with Astro by co-producing, for example, children’s and educational programmes, as well as featuring Malaysian talents like hosts to anchor our shows to cater for local viewers,” he added.

Australia Network will progressively introduce Bahasa Malaysia subtitles in all its programmes.

Presently, subtitles appear in up to six hours of content per day.

The network is now broadcasting in 20 million homes in 44 countries across Asia and the Asia Pacific, India and various hotels.

Australia Network’s airing via the Astro platform began in 2002 with four hours of daily broadcasting.

With 2.3 million Astro subscribers, Malaysia has a sophisticated viewership and one of the biggest cable and satellite markets in the region, said Dover.

“Our countries share a strong educational and economic link, and our broadcast agreement will further strengthen our relations — we are not just bringing Australia to Malaysia, but also Malaysia to Australia.”

Dover said his network draws on the vast inventory of programming available from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australian commercial television networks, as well as independent production houses from around the world.

“While our goal is to provide a window into Australia, we will ensure that at the same time, our shows are relevant and provide a regional perspective on regional issues.”